Title: Measure energy output of a renewable energy source using proper instruments.
Course: Sustainability and Renewable Technologies (21053) > Section: Examining Renewable Energy

Measurement should include use of a device (e.g., multimeter, microcontrollers with sensors, indicators) to determine the power output of sources such as

- photovoltaic (PV) array
- wind turbine
- fuel cell
- hydro.

Teacher Resource:

- National Energy Educational Development, (http://www.need.org/)

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is the most energy efficient renewable energy source? Why?
- How has the efficiency of renewable energy sources changed over time?
- How is it possible to determine the electrical load of a device to be powered?
- Why is the output of a device variable?
- How are voltage, current, and resistance measured with a multimeter?
- What measurements can determine the efficiency or level of performance of a fuel cell, a photovoltaic array, or a wind turbine?
- What variables should be controlled when making measurements on energy transforming systems?